Headlines

Local News

Growth on Ferris Fire halts; containment reaches 53%

Incident managers: Spread stopped, allowing crews to focus on hot spots, repair work

July 16, 2026

Local News

City of Cortez adopts AI policy

Officials stress importance of human oversight

July 16, 2026

For the record

Sheriff’s blotter

Montezuma sheriff badge Wednesday, July 1 2:45 p.m.: A deputy responded to 18680 Colorado Highway 145, Dolores, for a report…

July 16, 2026

Local News

Dollar store ruling prompts Montezuma County to consider land-use code revisions

Judge rules for county but says ‘arguably, the code is poor public policy’

July 16, 2026

Regional News

Atlas the exploring dog reunited with owners after 29 days and hundreds of miles

The two-year-old rescue dog was lost on June 6

July 16, 2026

Education

Southwest Conservation Corps launches adult day crew program in Montezuma County

Participants will gain entry-level experience in chainsaw operations, trail maintenance

July 16, 2026

Local News

Montezuma County commissioners seek audit of sheriff’s office after disputing budget cuts claims

BOCC members say MCSO’s budget increased – not decreased – from 2025 to this year

July 15, 2026

Arts and Entertainment

Meet the authors leading Mesa Verde Writers Conference workshops in September

Faculty encourage seasoned and emerging writes to attend event in Mancos

July 15, 2026

Local News

Chris Ballantine named CEO/publisher of Ballantine Communications

Next generation family member says he wants to listen, improve and innovate

July 15, 2026

Local News

Southwest Colorado ranchers face ‘triple whammy’ amid fires, drought and high costs

Some Montezuma County officials worry ranchers will start to leave the region

July 15, 2026

Community Calendar

Community Calendar: What’s happening in the Cortez area

The new Montezuma Heritage Museum at 35 S. Chestnut St. (Courtesy Montezuma County Historical Society) CORTEZ Wednesday, July 15 City…

July 15, 2026

Local News

Daily thunderstorms return to Montezuma County

Shift from excessive heat to scattered storms eases drought, critical fire weather

July 14, 2026

Education

Dolores School District raises teacher base pay, continues with track plans

The track would be part of the next phase of the district’s master plan

July 14, 2026

Arts and Entertainment

Sundog Gallery to mark first anniversary with celebration in Mancos

The gallery has hosted multiple exhibitions in its first year

July 14, 2026

Local News

Colorado hasn’t seen elevated cases of cyclosporiasis despite outbreaks elsewhere

‘Explosive diarrhea parasite’ from produce largely impacting New York, Michigan

July 14, 2026

Local News

Hesperus farmer and veteran gifted a Kubota tractor through Geared to Give program

‘Griggstead’ homestead founded in pursuit of a healthy lifestyle

July 14, 2026

Local News

Inside the camp supporting 1,000 personnel on Ferris Fire

‘Little freestanding city’ includes showers, laundry services, catering, a medical unit and security

July 14, 2026

Local News

CPW enacts voluntary fishing closure on Animas, San Juan and Dolores rivers

Water temperatures consistently reaching 71 degrees and above in Southwest Colorado

July 13, 2026

Sports

Battle of brothers continues: Jett Lawrence now leads Motocross overall by one point

There has been no update on Eli Tomac’s condition since his crash in Round 1

July 13, 2026

Business

Investigations find no evidence of government conspiracy in offer to buy Telluride ski area

Local leaders resigned from jobs in wake of offer to purchase resort from billionaire owner Chuck Horning

July 13, 2026

Local News

Incident meteorologists keep firefighters safe by tracking complex weather patterns that fuel wildfires

Sometimes fires create their own weather Incident meteorologists keep firefighters safe by tracking complex fire weather that fuels blazes. (Courtesy…

July 12, 2026

Local News

Judge upholds Montezuma County commissioners’ denial of Dollar General permit

Developer plans an appeal

July 12, 2026

Arts and Entertainment

Lamp Post Creative Learning Center to wrap first season with theater shows and BBQ

Summer campers will perform kids’ editions of ‘101 Dalmatians’ and ‘The Jungle Book’

July 11, 2026

Local News

Sheriff blames budget cuts for disbanding narcotics team; Montezuma County disputes claim

Sheriff Nowlin will address commissioners on Tuesday

July 11, 2026